A Reading-based charity that helps women to prepare and dress the part for a job interview has been nominated for a Pride of Reading Award.

Smart Works Reading could crowned 2017 Charity of the Year at this year’s glitzy awards ceremony after being put forward by an anonymous well-wisher impressed with how they help women in need to “Get the Clothes. Get the Confidence. Get the Job”.

Smart Works Reading opened in October 2015 with a vision of bringing the dressing and interview coaching service to women within the Thames Valley.

The service at Smart Works Reading is open to women who have a confirmed job interview for a paid position or a year-long apprenticeship.

“We help reach women from across the Thames Valley – supporting those who are lone parents, have a disability, are from an ethnic minority, have experienced mental health problems, have been victims of abuse or have fallen on hard times,” said Mrs Burns.

Appointments are made by referral only, from agencies such as Jobcentre Plus.

The charity’s dressing and interview coaching is delivered by a 45-strong team of dedicated volunteers.

“I am very proud that we are a volunteer-led charity,” said Mrs Burns. “Our volunteers are professional, positive, highly skilled and a joy to work with. We could not do what we do without the support of the volunteers, and the community.”

On being told of Smart Works’ Pride of Reading nomination, Mrs Burns said: “We are thrilled to have been nominated.

“The first two years of operation has been hard work but extremely rewarding, and being nominated for a local award to recognise the work we have done, service we provide and, most importantly, the impact in the local community means so much to us all, and fills me with pride.”

On what she finds most rewarding about helping women back into work, she said: “The incredible transformation we see in every women that comes to Smart Works.

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Pride of Reading Awards 2017

“Many of the women come to us with a disheartened sense of self-belief and low confidence.

“Everything from the warm welcome they receive when they ring the door bell, to the personal styling session and 121 interview coaching helps the client connect with the volunteers and open up about their personal experiences; and therefore get the most from their two hours with us.